katesworldtravel

Lisbon is a city that truly captures the heart, bathed in a golden light that makes every terracotta roof and tiled wall glow. Because it is so rich in history, it is easy for first-time visitors to focus only on the famous monuments and miss the quiet, soulful moments that make Portugal feel like home.

Portugal is famous for its seafaring history and breathtaking landscapes, but its wine list can feel intimidating for many first-time travelers. There is a quiet, humble pride in every glass poured here, rooted in traditions passed down for centuries. Here’s the Portuguese wine and Port guide I share with everyone before their first trip to the Douro Valley, so you can sip with confidence.

Exploring the famous historic capitals of Europe is a wonderful experience, and places like Rome or Paris certainly have their own magic. However, lately, so many of you have asked me where you can go that isn’t congested or overrun by tourism.

As someone known as the River Cruise Girl, I have a deep love for river cruising. But in 2018, I spent three weeks exploring Portugal by land, and I truly fell in love with the country. While I think a river cruise on the Douro is lovely and relaxing, my time there opened my eyes to how much more there is to see beyond the riverbanks.

Start with the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum for a walk through history that dates back thousands of years. Plaka, the city’s oldest neighborhood, offers winding streets full of shops, cafés, and historic charm.